If you have been trying to conceive for a year or longer, or six months if you are 35 years old or older, you are probably about to embark on a round of fertility testing.
Both you and your partner will almost certainly have fertility tests done, and this article will provide you with some pertinent information about female fertility testing.
First of all, let’s take a look at what type of tests will probably be done:
The first test that will be performed by your doctor or fertility specialist involves measuring your FSH, or Follicle Stimulating Hormone, as well as your LH, or Luteinizing Hormone in order to establish a baseline.
This is performed on your initial visit, on the 3rd day of your cycle.
Next, you will have your second visit on the day when your LH surges, normally before ovulation for most women. During this first cycle, your doctor or fertility specialist usually performs these tests:
Cervical mucus tests: This test involves a postcoital test (PCT) that will determine if your partner’s sperm is able to penetrate and survive in your cervical mucus, plus a bacterial screening.
Ultrasound tests: These are done to assess the thickness of the lining of your uterus, known as the endometrial; and to monitor follicle development, as well as check the condition of your uterus and ovaries. You may then have another ultrasound two to three days later to confirm that you have released an egg as you should have.
Hormone tests: These tests are performed to determine how your hormone levels that contribute to the reproductive process are measuring and if they are normal, or not. These tests include:
Luteinizing Hormone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Estradiol
Progesterone
Prolactin
Free T3
Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
DHEAS
Androstenedione
When all of these tests have been done and the results garnered and looked over by the doctor, and your partner has had the appropriate testing done, then you may or may not have to undergo further, more extensive testing to try and determine the cause of infertility.
It is important to know that in some cases, there is never a conclusive cause or definitive reason for infertility.
Female Infertility Tests: Methods Used to Diagnose Infertility
Infertility Diagnostic Testing: What is Involved?
IVF: What to Expect
Pros & Cons of At-Home Sperm Testing
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